Jacquelyn Ford Morie, Founder and Chief Scientist. MS, MFA, PhD With degrees in both art and computer science, Dr. Morie has 25 years experience in developing innovative techniques for rich, emotionally evocative virtual reality (VR) environments. As part of this pioneering work, she invented a scent collar to bring the emotional power of smell to immersive experiences, and developed new types of functions for VR, such as connections to multiple sensor and feedback systems to make VR more effective. Dr. Morie spent 13 years as a Sr.

Research Scientist at USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT), which she helped found. While there, she created novel VR telehealth care activities using her deep understanding of art, computer animation and human behavior to enhance patient engagement with these programs. In the mid-1990s, Dr. Morie started comprehensive computer animation training programs at Walt Disney Feature Animation combining art and technology topics, which she later expanded to the special effects industries at studios such as Rhythm and Hues. Prior to that, Morie worked at UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training, where she developed techniques to make VR environments more immersive and emotionally compelling, and helped lead a group of innovative students called The Toy Scouts. She has been expanding her VR research to include neuroscience and avatars, developing methods to determine how such technologies can effect positive change in those who use them.

Jon Arenberg, Chief Systems Engineer, James Webb Space Telescope, Northrop Grumman: Dr. Jon Arenberg leads engineering and development of Space Science Missions at the Space Park Center of Excellence at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, a premier provider of manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems and advanced technologies critical to our nation’s security and the advancement of science. In his current role, Arenberg leads engineering for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Space Science Missions, developing, planning and conducting strategic analyses for various NASA astrophysics missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope. He is responsible for directing Northrop Grumman’s studies of potential successor missions to the Webb telescope.

In his previous role, Arenberg led the development of optical, space and laser systems as the lead engineer. Arenberg has 28 years of experience working on astronomical programs such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, development of the starshade and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. In addition to his work on astronomical systems, he has contributed to major high-energy and tactical laser systems, laser component engineering, metrology, optical inspection and technology development projects. Arenberg has a Bachelor of Science in physics, a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in engineering, all from UCLA. As a committed member of the science community, Arenberg is a long-serving California State Science Fair judge and is a referee for several journals. He is a fellow of the International Optical Engineering Society, SPIE, the author of more than 160 conference presentations, papers and book chapters and holds a dozen European and U.S. patents in a wide variety of areas of technology. Arenberg is also the co-author of a forthcoming book on systems engineering for astronomy from SPIE press. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Dr Pascal Lee is chairman of the Mars Institute, a planetary scientist at the SETI Institute, and the director of the NASA Haughton-Mars Project at NASA Ames Research Center. He holds an M.E. in geology and geophysics from the University of Paris, and a Ph.D. in astronomy and space sciences from Cornell University. Lee’s research focuses on Mars, in particular the history of water on Mars, and the origin of Mars’ moons. He is also internationally recognized for his work on planning the future human exploration of Mars, and for his contributions to the design and development of spacesuits, rovers, aircraft, and habitats for Mars. Lee was scientist-pilot of the first field test of NASA’s Space Exploration Vehicle, a concept pressurized-rover for future Moon and Mars exploration. Lee has led over 30 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica for comparative studies between the Earth and Mars, including a 402-day winter-over in Antarctica as chief geoscientist at Dumont d’Urville Station. He also led the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition, a record-setting vehicular traverse on sea-ice along the fabled Northwest Passage in the Arctic. The journey is the subject of the award-winning motion picture documentary film Passage To Mars (2016). Lee is a recipient of the United States Antarctic Service Medal and of several NASA Group Achievement Awards. He is an advisor to NASA. Lee is an artist-member of International Association of Astronomical Artists and the author of Mission: Mars (Scholastic), a children’s book on the human exploration of Mars. Mission: Mars won the 2015 Prize for Excellence in Children’s Science Books from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Lee is also an FAA-certified helicopter commercial pilot and flight instructor.

Pete Blumel, co-founder, CEO, and Creative Director, The Rogue Initiative: Producer, creator and designer of real-time, story-driven immersive entertainment with 21 years of experience in feature film, animation and blockbuster AAA interactive production. Prior, he served in a key producer role for 8 years at Activision’s Infinity Ward game development studio where he became intimately involved as co-creator of the CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE series and GHOSTS video games utilizing his filmmaking background to bring more high-end cinematic production values and immersive real-time story telling to the CALL OF DUTY franchise which has since come to characterize the long running series earning a combined total near $4 BILLION in worldwide grosses and winning countless awards including three BAFTAs. Before joining the CALL OF DUTY founders, Blumel spent over 10 years at DREAMWORKS SKG first at Dreamworks Feature Animation Technology and later at Amblin Entertainment.

CONNIE REESE, Civil Space Public Relations, Space Center of Excellence, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems: Connie Reese leads Public Relations for the James Webb Space Telescope and Civil Space at the Space Park Center of Excellence at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, a premier provider of manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems and advanced technologies critical to our nation’s security. In this role, Reese leads Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Civil Space Communications and Public Relations, developing, planning, and conducting strategic communications campaigns for various NASA astrophysics missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope. She is responsible for directing internal employee communications, external public relations, media relations, and public outreach while supporting (STEM) initiatives for students and civic affair activities for the James Webb Space Telescope. Reese also represents the company as a spokesperson for various media briefings, trade shows and events. She influences public opinion and policy decisions through strategic communications activities. In her previous role, Reese led Antelope Valley Site Communications for the Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence and Global Manufacturing Communications. Reese served as the Communications expert for site executives and was responsible for directing all internal employee communications for the Antelope Valley sites, guiding external communication ― including media relations ― regarding the Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center, and managing the site’s civic affairs and government relations, working closely with local, county, state, and federal representatives and their offices. She also led executive public relations for site leadership and oversaw communication needs for Northrop Grumman Aerospace System’s Global Manufacturing Organization. Reese has a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and a Master of Arts from California State University, Dominguez Hills. As a dedicated member of the community, she served on the board of the Women in Northrop Grumman organization. She also participated in the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Associaition, the Antelope Valley Board of Trade, and served on the board of directors for the Los Angeles County Air Show. Reese was recently honored with the “Aerospace Trailblazer” award by the North Los Angeles Realtists and continues her mentorship of local youth. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.